279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to indicate notwithstanding the response to previous PQs in the case of a person (details supplied), if the matter could be reviewed in this context with a view to granting ENP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46009/24]

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my Department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet essential expenditure which an eligible person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.  The ANP scheme is means tested and administered by Designated Persons (DPs) in the Community Welfare Service, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.  Guaranteed payment of an ANP cannot be taken as an automatic entitlement.

I would refer the Deputy to your previous Dáil Question No. 246 answered on 17th October which outlined that the persons concerned applied for an ANP to assist with the cost of furnishing their new home.  This claim was disallowed on the basis that the persons had sufficient means available to them in the form of savings to cover the expenses from their own resources.  A letter advising the persons concerned of this outcome and affording them the opportunity to seek a review of the decision issued to them on 14/09/2024.

A Reviewing Officer reviewed the claim made by the persons concerned and considering the circumstances of the case, upheld the original decision made by the DP.  This position has not changed and an additional letter has been sent by the SWA Reviewing Officer to the persons concerned confirming that the review decision remains upheld.

As previously advised to the Deputy in my reply to Dáil Question No. 246, if the persons concerned feel that they have been treated unfairly, they have the right of recourse to contact The Office of the Ombudsman, 6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773, Telephone number: 01-639 5600 / 1890 22 30 30, Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.